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Faq
Need more information? Have any questions? Here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about solar.
How do I choose a solar system that is right for me?
The most cost efficient and affordable system for an average household is a 1.5kW system, which can generate up to 9kW per day on sunny days and an average of 6.5kW per day over the whole year.
Who will be installing my solar system and how long does it take?
Captain Green has a highly experienced team of Clean Energy Council (CEC) qualified solar installers. Installation generally takes one day and will be performed by one of our CEC electricians.
When will my installation will be done?
Your installation should take place between two to four weeks after all documents have been signed and the booking deposit has been received.
Who takes care of the paperwork?
We take care of all the paperwork for you. We may request some information along the way, but the Captain Green Team will send in all required documents and applications.
What are STC's (formerly known as REC’s)?
STCs are Small Scale Technology Certificates which are created by Solar Power Systems, Solar Hot Water Systems, etc. Each Solar Power System generates a certain number of STC’s, the bigger the system, the more STC’s the system will generate. STC’s are bought, like shares, at a market price, therefore an installed system will generate money meaning that the overall system will be cheaper for you to install. STC’s are sold all over the world and their price changes just like shares on the stock market.
The current Government incentive is called the “Solar Credit Scheme”, is a multiplier for the Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The multiplier can be applied to the first 1.5 kW of your Solar Power System, everything bigger than that still generates the normal amount of STCs.
How much electricity do I consume?
Your electricity bill will indicate your average daily consumption in electricity units. Take the last two bills and compare the numbers to estimate of your daily consumption.
What roof types are suitable?
The system can be mounted to most types of roof coverings, except those roofs that are in poor condition. Before installation is started the installer will notify you if there are any problems that would not allow the installation to continue.
I have trees shading the roof. Is this okay?
The system will work, but will have a reduced output due to the degree of shading. Other obstructions like neighboring buildings, chimneys, and air conditioning units may reduce system output due to shading. It is best to reduce the amount of shading as much as possible for your system to work to its optimum level.
I live in a 2 storey house, can it still be installed?
Yes.
What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
A 'solar power system' or a '(PV) photovoltaic system' produces electricity. The solar panels used for a solar power system are different to those used to heat water. Therefore, you cannot use the same panels to produce electricity and heat the water.
What’s the difference between net and gross metering? Which should I choose?
A net metering system combines the generation of the solar system and the household’s consumption and calculates the net outcome. Therefore it is essential that a meter under such a scheme is an interval based one and read periodically so that the solar producer can capture 30 minute blocks of export to the national electricity grid – rather than it being read at the end of the day, where consumption is normally going to be more than the export. Gross meters measure the export and import of your electricity separately. Therefore the Gross Meter actually measures the entire output of your system separately to your electricity consumption. If it is possible to get a Gross Meter then you should do so because a Gross Metering system can support not only a Gross tariff policy but also a Net tariff policy.
When will my system be connected to the power grid?
You will be connected to the grid after your solar panels have been installed. A Gross meter is ordered for you once your panels have been installed, and when the Energy Provider releases the meter, our electricians will perform the upgrade.
How will my Feed-in tariff show on my bill?
This will depend on who you are buying your electricity from. The general rule is that you are provided with a cheque every quarter along with your energy bill. You can call your retailer for other options, such as direct debit or to be deducted from your bill.
How do I know if my system is working properly?
The first thing to do is to have a look at your gross meter. You should see the numbers ticking over every day. Do some research and ask your sales rep for some figures on how much a system of your size should be producing and compare. Keep daily records and compare different times of the year so you know what to expect.
Who are the makers of the main components?
Panels are made in China by ZN Shine Solar and Inverters are made by Growatt (China). We occasionally use other components, however all components we use comply with Australian standards AS4777 and AS1170 for Solar installation and wind ratings.
What performance guarantees do I get for the system as a whole?
Full 10 Year Warranty (covering labour and parts) on installation, inverter, cables. From 10 to 15 years, system wide parts only warranty. 25 year performance warranty solar panels still
producing > 80% effectiveness.
Which guarantees/warranties are your responsibilities and which are the manufacturers?
All ours, and where we need to have interaction with a third party, we arrange it all.
If I have to deal with the panel or inverter manufacturer in the future, do they have an Australian office?
Yes, this information is all provided to you at time of installation so there are no problems either now or in the future.
Does the system require maintenance?
No maintenance is required. Systems are designed to the highest standard and should provide you with 25 years of free solar power. However ensure that the panels are free of leaf litter and debris. Give them a hose down once or twice a year to keep dust buildup to a minimum (but the rain should do most of that!
Will I require council permission?
Generally you do not need planning permission from your local council. If your house is a heritage listed building you might need planning permission and should contact your local shire or council for advice.
Can I purchase the solar power system under a payment plan?
Yes. When you make your purchase you can choose to pay in full or sign up to our popular Ezi-Pay Express 'No Interest Ever' payment plan. Certegy Ezi-Pay Pty Ltd (ABN 28 129 228 986) provides the continuing credit payment plan. A once off establishment fee of $60 to activate your account is payable with your first purchase under the plan. A $2.90 monthly account keeping fee and a $2.50 payment processing fee applies. See in store for Terms and Conditions. For Certegy Ezi-Pay Express No Interest Ever! applies.
